Theater District visitors are feeling the squeeze of orange-barrel season this summer. The city of Cleveland and PlayhouseSquare Foundation are making big changes — some practical, some aesthetic — to the small stretch of East 14th Street between Euclid and Prospect avenues. Here's what you need to know.
The Problem: "[The street] did need resurfacing, and the sidewalks were in poor condition," says project manager Rob Mavec. Also, PlayhouseSquare Foundation wanted to give the Theater District a more unified feel. Euclid Avenue was made over as part of the Euclid Corridor Transportation Project, but East 14th Street was not.
The Solution: Upgrades include a resurfaced street, new sidewalks and reconfigured parking. Sidewalks on the east side of East 14th Street will be widened, and parking spaces will be reconfigured so they're out of the way of traffic like they currently are on Euclid Avenue. The idea is to help both drivers and pedestrians navigate the Theater District more easily.
Other Upgrades: "There's a new lighting package going in along with some streetscape planting elements," Mavec says. Also look for brick pavers in the sidewalks and crosswalks and LED light strips in the pavement. Planters like the ones along Euclid Avenue will be installed along with new trees, benches and signs to point theatergoers in the right direction. Widened sidewalks will also provide additional space for outdoor restaurant seating.
Completion Date: The project will end with this construction season, "which is generally October or November," Mavec says.
Cost: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided funding for the $1.7 million project.
